Issued : Monday 13 February, 2012

A ‘Discover Killaloe & Ballina’ festival set for April 14th and 15th 2012, has been organised by local Minister Alan Kelly as part of the lead up to the Brian Ború Festival 2014.

The Minister stated: “I have set up this festival and am delighted that Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland are running with it. It is planned that this festival will mark the start of what is to be a three year plan regarding the increasing promotion of the area which builds up to the major event in 2014. I have been working extensively with locals and the Brian Ború committee to organise this brilliant weekend festival and have met with them a number of times”

The Minister continued: “The aim of this two day event is to highlight the fabulous Heritage, Culture and Fun Family activities available in the area. Local businesses will open their doors to the public, running various activities and demonstrations for free”.

“As a local, I have a huge interest in the promotion of the area as an excellent tourist area and I am committed to involving myself and supporting anything that highlights the wonderful collection of things that this area has to offer”.

“Proposed activities available will cover arts, crafts and drama, water activities; both demonstrations and ‘try for free’ sessions, walking and heritage tours, animation such as face-painting, bouncy castles, street games & live music. Local restaurants, retail outfits and pubs will also have samples of their wares on offer to the public. This is a chance for Killaloe & Ballina to show what it has to offer and I would encourage all local businesses to come on board”.

“This is a real opportunity for people all over Ireland to get a taste of what will be organised for 2014. There is sure to be a real buzz in the area during the festival and the atmosphere is going to be brilliant. I would urge everyone to attend and sample the best of what the locality has to offer”, concluded the Minister.